"I've been as patient as anybody," Riley said before the Heat's practice Sunday afternoon at Westminster College. "Usually somewhere somebody's going to step up and be more consistent. That job right now is theoretically wide open and the first one that shows any kind of consistency in any way, shape or form has a great opportunity."

Gamble understands Riley's dilemma.

"He feels he's not getting consistent play at that position," Gamble said. "He has every right to do what he's doing. As players, we have to try and come out and be as consistent as we can be."

Since the Heat lost starter Sasha Danilovic with a wrist injury, the shooting guard position has been a nagging source of concern. And Danilovic is gone for season.

Riley said the Heat's best lineup at the end of games now features a defensive small forward, such as Keith Askins, in the backcourt.

"If you're not shooting the ball, then I'm going to go with defense," Riley said.

Chapman has made only 6 of 31 field-goal attempts in four games since returning from the injured list and has missed all 12 of his shots in the past two games.

"I'm pressing a little bit, wanting to play well, wanting to help the team," Chapman said.

Like Riley, Chapman expects someone to step forward.

"We'll come through."Chapman said. "It's just a matter of gaining some confidence. I'm totally confident in my ability. I just have to get my timing back. It'll come."

Willis sidelined ...

With Kevin Willis sidelined by back spasms, Kurt Thomas started up front with Alonzo Mourning and Billy Owens against the Nuggets.

"All we lose right now is a familiarity and a cohesiveness [with Thomas)," Riley said. "It's a good lineup, a good defensive lineup."

With Owens and Mourning the team's primary interior threats, Riley said Thomas' duties may develop into a Horace Grant-type role - more passing and outside shooting responsibilities from the high post.

... but may play soon

Willis said it's 50-50 he will play against the Jazz tonight. "I'm going to get a lot of treatment and do a lot of stretching to try and get ready for tomorrow," Willis said before practice Sunday. ... With Mourning on the court, the Heat outscored the Nuggets 80-71 Saturday. Without him, the Heat was outscored 15-8. ... Despite the outside struggles, Riley was pleased with the Heat's inside game. He said the Heat attempted 43 shots in the paint while Denver attempted only seven layups and 19 shots in the paint.